Hope Amid Downturn

Film workers are among groups that have been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Even so, there is hope for them in the midst of it all.

Kompas/Priyombodo

Rahmadia (right) practices self-defense for an action film at the Piranha Stunt Indonesia Studio, in Depok, West Java, Friday (26/3/2021). Rahmadia is a stunt man in the film.

Based on data from Film Indonesia in the publication "An Overview of Indonesian Film Industry 2020 ”, the number of creative crews registered in 1998-2017 reached 23,000 people. Meanwhile, the number of film workers, both players, creative crews and other assistants, in Indonesia in 2020 is estimated at more than 30,000 people.

Unfortunately, there are no exact figures on the number of workers who make a living in the film industry. This condition shows how fragile the position of film workers is, especially in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, it is quite crucial for this sector to get attention (from all stakeholders), considering that films represent the nation’s identity.

Also read: Stuntmen Await Revival of Film Industry

Apart from distributing 2,576 social assistance packages to film and arts workers, the government also provides them with tax relief. This program can be enjoyed by workers in the film production, post-production and distribution units.

Indonesian films are still very popular compared to foreign films.

In 2021, film industry players submitted complaints directly to President Joko Widodo. Their discussion concluded with (the government’s) plan to provide a stimulus package for the film industry.

In the midst of all the difficulties faced by film workers at various structures and levels, hopes for a revival are in front of us. This is reflected by a survey conducted by Kompas Research and Development Center on 16-18 March. Indonesian films are still very popular compared to foreign films.

Kompas/Priyombodo

Muhammad Yazid (right) practices martial arts for an action film at the Piranha Stunt Indonesia Studio in Depok, West Java, Friday (26/3/2021).

Of the respondents in 34 provinces in Indonesia, 60.5 percent stated that they preferred Indonesian films. This was expressed by respondents in a number of regions, including Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan and Papua.

This can serve as social capital for Indonesian film industry players. However, there are three requirements put forward by respondents so that the film ecosystem in Indonesia can rise amid the current downturn.

First, from the production side, film industry players are required to improve the quality of films. This means that films are not only fixated on quantity, but also quality, such as the storyline, audio, visuals and the genres offered.

Also read: Pandemic Hits Workers in Film Industry

Storyline is the main thing that is most highlighted. As many as 49.2 percent of respondents rated predictable film storylines to be the main drawback of domestic films. This indicates that Indonesia still needs quality film scriptwriters.

Another side that is highlighted is the lack of choice of film genres that can be enjoyed. Based on Kompas R&D data regarding the history of Indonesian films from 1998 to early 2018, as many as 70 percent of films screened at cinema are drama and horror genres. Only 30 percent of films offer other genres, such as comedy and action. So, naturally, the public hopes that film production in Indonesia offers a variety of genres.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Two workers editing a film at Belantara Films, Ngestiharjo Village, Kasihan, Bantul, DI Yogyakarta, March 2, 2021.

Distribution and exhibition

The second requirement that must be fulfilled is improvement in the distribution and exhibition aspects. The public thinks that Indonesian films can recover if they vary in distribution. As many as two-thirds of respondents suggested that Indonesian films should also be screened on various digital platforms or streaming services, for free or paid.

The distribution of films through digital platforms can be used as a strategy at a time when people too worry to go to the cinema amid the pandemic. However, this method has not brought big profit for the film industry compared to screening at theatres.

The role of government

The next requirement is the presence of the government, especially in film promotion. As many as 41.8 percent of respondents assessed that the government needs to help promote films to regional areas in order to revive the film economy.

Promotion is considered to be very vital to the success of a film. Promotion needed is not limited to promotion of film that will be screened, but also a campaign to drive people to go to the cinema.

41.8 percent of respondents assessed that the government needs to help promote films to regional areas in order to revive the film economy.

Also read: Art Studios Dealing with Pandemic

This issue has been voiced by film industry players to the government. They asked the government to launch a campaign so that people would be willing to watch films at cinema. However, it will take time to convince the public to go to the cinema by implementing health protocols.

The level of public interest in Indonesian films shows that the national film industry has large enough social capital to recover. This is a hope for the film ecosystem, especially workers in the production sector, to get out of the cycle of adversity. (KOMPAS R&D)

This article was translated by Kurniawan Siswoko.